Hostage pleads for life after collapse

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The captors of kidnapped CARE Australia official Margaret Hassan
have sent her distraught colleagues a video showing her pleading
for her life, collapsing and having a bucket of water thrown over
her.

Mrs Hassan, who has dual Iraqi-British nationality, heads CARE's
operations in Iraq, where she has lived for 30 years with her Iraqi
husband. She was kidnapped on her way to work in Baghdad on October
19.

In Canberra yesterday, CARE issued a statement saying its staff
were profoundly distressed by the video and repeated its plea for
Mrs Hassan's immediate and unconditional release. "Mrs Hassan is an
Iraqi citizen who has dedicated her life to helping the poorest and
most disadvantaged people in Iraq," CARE said.

"We are encouraged by the repeated demonstrations of support
shown by the people of Iraq. We join with them in calling for her
release so she is able to return to her husband, family and
friends."

News agency reports said the new film showed Mrs Hassan, 59,
pleading for her life and suddenly collapsing. A bucket of water
was thrown over her and she got up, crying.

The family of Irish-born Mrs Hassan arranged to meet Irish Prime
Minister Bertie Ahern after seeing the footage.